The Inglewood Police Department encourages everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver.
“Unfortunately, this time of year is when we see more people driving impaired,” Chief Mark Fonterotta said. “There is no excuse for driving after drinking or using drugs that impair. There are many ways to get home safely without driving.”
The department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs through New Years day.
Impaired driving is not just from Alcohol, the departmental release says. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
The department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
• Always use a designated sober driver — a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation — to get home
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements t find a sober way home
• Report drunk drivers — call 911
• If you are hosting a holiday party, offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor how people are getting home. If someone has been drinking and tries to leave, offer to have them stay the night or take a ride-share home.
Funding for the national enforcement campaign is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
